Local residents took to the streets in protest against the increase in water and electricity tariffs.
Ekurhuleni Mayor Tanya Campbell (in black and blue) meets with Thembisa Community Forum following violent protests in the area on August 1, 2022. Photo: @City_Ekurhuleni/Twitter
JOHANNESBURG – Ekurhuleni Mayor Tanya Campbell is expected to meet Tembisa residents at the local stadium on Friday morning following deadly protests that rocked the community earlier this week.
Local residents took to the streets in protest against the increase in water and electricity tariffs.
Demonstrations in the East Rand township claimed four lives and left infrastructure in its wake.
Campbell will have to prepare for a fierce crowd as she tries to ease the tension in Thembis on Friday morning.
Confrontation between residents and officials caused the increase in tariffs last week.
– GALLERY: The aftermath of the Tembisa protests
In addition to billing requests, other complaints included unsatisfactory service from customer service staff and disparity in fares across the city’s townships.
Initially, a delegation from the municipality was sent to meet with community leaders, but these talks broke down.
Earlier this week, residents stepped up their protest, calling on Campbell to come and address them about high water and electricity bills.
She then met with the community forum behind closed doors and under police protection.
It’s D-Day for Campbell and members of her mayoral committee.
Cross-party coalition partners are also expected to join the mayor when she gives community feedback on the memorandum of demands.
WATCH: Tembisa shutdown: The aftermath of the protest
